As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes are on their ground game under the new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Known for his run-heavy strategy, Smith's approach could carve out a significant role for the ground attack in shaping the team's success this year.
Smith's Ground Game Philosophy
Arthur Smith’s offensive philosophy heavily emphasizes the run. This strategy may face an early test with the recent hamstring injury to veteran running back Jaylen Warren. Warren departed Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills after sustaining the injury, which is expected to sideline him for several weeks and puts his availability for the season opener in jeopardy.
Prior to his injury, Warren had emerged as a dynamic presence in the Steelers' backfield. At 25 years old, he joined the team undrafted in 2022 and has since proven to be a valuable asset. Last season, he was instrumental in Pittsburgh's balanced attack, effectively splitting carries with the starting running back, Najee Harris. Warren racked up nearly 800 rushing yards and added 61 receptions for 370 receiving yards. His dual-threat capability has been pivotal, making his absence felt even more profoundly.
Impact of Warren's Injury
During the game against the Bills, Warren caught a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson in the second quarter before walking off the field under his own power. Despite this, he was swiftly ruled doubtful to return, casting a shadow over his immediate future with the team. Before exiting, he had logged three touches, amassing 14 yards as a receiver, demonstrating once again his utility on the field.
The Steelers eventually lost the game 9-3 to the Bills, a loss compounded by Warren's injury. With him sidelined, the spotlight now intensifies on Najee Harris and the reserve backs. Harris, who has led the team's rushing for the past three seasons, has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark each year. His consistency will be more crucial than ever as the team enters the regular season.
Pressure on the Backfield
The injury to Warren adds pressure not just on Harris, but also on veteran reserves like Cordarrelle Patterson and La'Mical Perine, both of whom saw action against Buffalo. Their ability to step up and fill the void left by Warren will be vital as the Steelers look to maintain the effectiveness of their ground game in the weeks leading up to the season opener.
With a few weeks left before the regular season kicks off, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring Warren's rehabilitation. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but his return will be eagerly anticipated, given the substantial role he plays in the team's backfield dynamics.
Steelers' Aspirations
As the season nears, the Steelers' hopes for a successful 2024 campaign are strongly tied to their running game. Arthur Smith's run-focused strategy will require full cooperation from the entire backfield, especially in the absence of a key player like Warren. Each carry will count, every yard will matter, and the performance of the running backs will be scrutinized more closely than ever.
The Steelers, bolstered by Harris's proven track record and the depth provided by Patterson and Perine, have the potential to adapt and thrive. However, the road ahead will demand resilience, preparation, and perhaps a bit of luck. As Warren works towards his recovery, the team's efforts in these final weeks of preseason training will set the tone for the challenging but promising journey that lies ahead.